If the winter weather has you dreaming of long, leisurely afternoons on the deck, it's time to stop dreaming and start planning!

Like any home renovation, B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ or replacing a rotten or poorly designed existing deck B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ requires a few essentials before the first footings are dug. 

The good news is that now is the perfect time to get started, notes Colin Ferguson, Red Seal Lead Carpenter, who has been creating beautiful spaces with Saanich's MAC Reno Design Build team for eight years.

1. Space planning. First, consider how you'll use the space. Are you an avid entertainer welcoming friends and family for big barbecues, or is a quiet, inviting corner for your morning coffee more your vibe? And are you wanting a true, three-season extension of your living space or is this strictly a space to soak in the summer sun? Remember to take into account how that sun moves through the day B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ and through the seasons B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ and, beyond the physical space for your tables, chairs and barbecue or outdoor kitchen, ensure you can move easily around furnishings, and between the home and garden.

Second, what kind of terrain are you navigating? A second-storey deck will have different requirements than a ground-floor deck off the kitchen. Are you navigating rocky outcrops or protected trees? Will the deck be self-contained, or do you want a multi-level space that connects home and garden?  

Browsing magazines and online sites can spark plenty of ideas that you can fine-tune to your specifics with MAC's experienced design team, Ferguson says.
 

2. Preparation. With a design in mind, you'll next need to determine what materials to use, a decision that balances aesthetics, budget and maintenance.

Many people love cedar for its natural look, but maintaining its appearance and ability to withstand the elements requires regular sanding and staining. Composite decking on the other hand, will look great for decades with minimal maintenance, but lacks some of the organic appeal of wood. While it typically has a slightly higher price point, that up-front cost should be considered alongside cedar's ongoing maintenance costs, in both materials and time, Ferguson notes.

For an upper-level deck where you want dry storage below, vinyl is often a go-to choice, with a wide variety of patterns and textures available. When the deck is over top of a living area, a torch-on roof is typically used, Ferguson says.

Beyond the deck surface, for any decks off the ground, you'll also need to consider railings. "If you're waterfront, you don't want pickets, but glass panels let you enjoy the view. There's even engineered glass panels that don't need top railings," Ferguson says.
 

3. Next steps. With designs in hand and materials selected, it's time to get ready to build. For the MAC team, that means a thorough , including securing and necessary permits, ordering materials and assessing for potential challenges that could create issues during construction. How long those steps take can vary with municipality, site, materials selected and other factors B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ why starting the process now is essential to having your deck ready for the summer season.

So, while no one wants to dig concrete footings in the depths of January, planning now, with an eye to breaking ground in April or May will get you B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ and your new deck B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ off on the right foot!

To learn how MAC Reno Design Build can help create the outdoor space you love coming home to, visit or call 250-384-6091.